Does Belocal require franchisees to use approved vendors for digital signature software?

According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to use approved vendors for digital signature software. Belocal explicitly states that franchisees must not use any digital signature software that has not been approved by them. This mandate ensures that all franchisees use software that meets Belocal's standards for security, compatibility, and data protection.

This requirement means that prospective franchisees will not have the freedom to choose their own digital signature software, even if they find an alternative that may be more cost-effective or better suited to their specific needs. Instead, they must select from the vendors pre-approved by Belocal. This restriction is in place to maintain uniformity and control over the technology used within the franchise system.

While the FDD specifies the requirement to use approved vendors, it does not list the approved vendors or detail the criteria for approval. Therefore, it is important for prospective franchisees to inquire about the approved vendors, the reasons for their selection, and whether there are any associated costs or fees. Understanding the approved vendors and their software capabilities will help franchisees assess the suitability of the digital signature software for their business operations.